About Us

Creating transformational communities

YMCA is the largest and the oldest charity working with young people in the world. Across England there are 114 YMCAs. Each one is a thriving and active community. A community that is transforming lives.

We focus on young people and help them play an active and fulfilling role within their communities. We call this a youth minded community approach.

We are proud of our Christian heritage and ethos. We are an inclusive Christian movement transforming communities. We provide a wide array of community based activities and services to help meet local needs wherever we are based.

YMCA England

As the national council of YMCAs in England, we support local YMCAs by promoting high standards of working, sharing best practice, fundraising on their behalf, partnering with them to pilot new projects, and providing training opportunities for staff and volunteers.

We give local YMCAs a national voice by speaking with government, key policy makers and national media, and we represent them by advocating for the needs of the most vulnerable young people in England.

Together, as the YMCA federation in England we focus on four key areas of work: accommodation; family work; health and wellbeing and training and education; impacting on the lives of nearly 600,000 people every year.

Each YMCA is an individual, self-governing charity that affiliates to YMCA England. Through this affiliation, YMCAs become part of the World Alliance of YMCAs.

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YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by, and faithful to our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive and energising communities where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.